Defending champions Brazil advanced to the knock-out stage of the 2006 World Cup finals after beating Australia 2-0 in Munich on Sunday. Brazil striker Adriano opened the score four minutes after the interval before substitute Chaves Fred ensured the win in the 89th minute. The win tightened Brazil's grip on Group F with six points and secured their place in the round of 16. Despite the defeat, Australia lie second with three points, two points ahead of Croatia and Japan who are in third and fourth place respectively with just one point. In the first half, Brazil resumed the unexpected disappointing form they showed in their first match against Croatia. The Brazilians failed to create scoring opportunities and found it difficult to break the Socceroos' resilient defense.
Brazil's only true chance in the first-half came in the third minute when Kaka sent a powerful shot that went just inches wide after being set-up by Ronaldo. The Seleção were in front in the 49th minute when Ronaldinho fed Ronaldo on the edge of the area and the Real Madrid star sent a low cross to Adriano who cut inside and fired the ball past Australia keeper Mark Schwarzer. Harry Kewell almost leveled the score in the 56th minute after Brazil keeper Dida failed to control an easy ball that went into the path of Kewell who sent the ball over the bar. In the 79th minute, Dida dived to deny Mark Bresciano's brilliant first-time kick. Lyon striker Fred sealed the win in the stoppage time from the rebound after Robinho's initial effort hit the post.
